Which projection is often cited as not conformal among common world map projections?

• A. Winkel Tripel
• B. Mercator
• C. Lambert Conformal Conic
• D. Stereographic

Answer: (A)

Conformality means preserving angles at a point, so small shapes look correct locally. Mercator preserves angles everywhere, so shapes are locally accurate, though areas become wildly distorted toward the poles. Stereographic is also conformal, preserving angles and circles. Lambert Conformal Conic is conformal for its standard parallels, giving accurate local shapes in mid-latitudes. Winkel Tripel, however, is a compromise projection designed to balance area, distance, and angle distortions across the whole globe, so it does not preserve angles. That makes Winkel Tripel the one often cited as not conformal.